1 2 - Tornado Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in an area Remain alert for approaching storms Remind family/employees of location of safest places Listen to the radio or television for further developments 3 1
- Tornado Warning - Issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar Seek shelter immediately 4 - Before Tornado Season - Develop an Emergency Communication Plan Have disaster supplies on hand First aid kit Flash light and batteries Bottled water Blankets Designate a safe place Conduct drills 5 - Shelters and Warnings - Evaluate tornado plans and shelters in facilities serving the public yearly Provide directions to designated safe places Provide NOAA weather radio coverage continuously in public Have a tornado plan about where to shelter people 6 2
- Shelters and Warnings - (continued) Keep an up-to-date list of shelter addresses to assist fire departments and emergency service agencies 7 - American With Disabilities Act - Plans and shelters need to accommodate individuals with special needs Public buildings must be wheelchair accessible Refuge plans need to include information in Braille 8 - During a Tornado Warning - Do not open windows Does not reduce the risk of damage Seek shelter in the center of the basement or a secure room Folk tale about southwest corner is false 9 3
- Mobile Homes - Overturn easily because not anchored Good indicators of tornadoes not spotted Persons in mobile homes should: Seek buildings with strong foundations Lie in ditch or low lying area 10 - Driving - If the tornado is close Get out of your car and lie in a ditch or low- lying area If the tornado is a safe distance away Assess if it is coming directly toward you (will appear to be standing still as it gets larger) Escape by driving at right angles to its path 11 - You are too close! - 12 4
- Property Protection - Use threaded fasteners to attach metal roof decking Welds often insufficient Avoid aggregate and paver roof surfaces Use enhanced wind design for roof coverings on essential buildings 13 - Property Protection - (continued) Reinforce concrete and partially reinforced masonry with adequate ties Make ties between concrete and other materials with drilled-in fasteners or cast-in-place fasteners 14 - Property Protection - (continued) Construct masonry walls to support building s architecture Exterior wall panels Parapets Balconies Decorative finishes Maintain diaphragm action to resist windgenerated shear forces Properly place reinforcements in concrete and masonry walls 15 5
- Property Protection - (continued) Use anchors in precast concrete buildings Avoid using powder-driven anchors Use quality architectural features Minimizes windborne debris Bolt swing sets/tables to the ground 16 - Communities - Adopt ordinances and regulations that promote disaster resistance Incorporate tornado shelters into new construction and communities 17 - Protecting Businesses - Invest in proper construction techniques and current model building codes Reduces damage from low to moderate intensity tornadoes In addition to building damages, businesses may suffer other losses Loss of inventory Business interruption Loss of wages for employees Businesses often do not recover 18 6
19 - Response to Tornado Watch - Start to think about preparedness Prepare to seek shelter Have emergency kit nearby Working flashlights Spare batteries Turn off all unnecessary power Plan for utility shut down Monitor for weather updates Have battery-powered radio 20 - Response to Tornado Warning - Go to a designated shelter area Stop work Shut off equipment and utilities Walk rapidly to designated areas Avoid confusion and horseplay Follow instructions In shelter Crouch down Cover your head Wait for all clear Be patient and calm 21 7
- Public Events - Implement plan Cancel outdoor events Direct everyone to a shelter area Designate marshals to show the way 22 - Response to Building Damage - Immediate danger Move to a safer area If odor, do not use cell phones or other electrical equipment If no odor, call 911 or wait for emergency response No immediate danger Stay where you are Call 911 Follow instructions 23 24 8
- Tornado Recovery - Continue listening for updated information Use the telephone only for emergency calls Help those who may require special assistance Help injured or trapped persons 25 - Tornado Recovery - (continued) Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines Avoid disaster areas Stay out of damaged buildings 26 - Recovery: Damaged Buildings - Use extreme caution Wear sturdy shoes Use battery-powered flashlights Watch for potential structural collapse Watch for loose plaster, drywall and ceilings 27 9
- Recovery: Hazards - Fire hazards Identify damaged gas lines and electrical systems Clean up spilled chemicals Be aware of gas leaks Electrical system damage Turn off electricity at main fuse box if danger apparent (sparks, frayed wires, burning insulation ) Take pictures of all damage for insurance claims 28 - Recovery: Industrial Buildings - Use extreme caution when turning on main switch gear and electrical cabinets Only authorized people should activate electrical mains Inspect hazardous materials Clean up chemical spills Take pictures 29 - Recovery: First Responders - Use extreme caution Consider big picture before acting Look for hazards Take time to plan Work in pairs Follow incident commander s directions 30 10
31 32 11